๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ๐๐ค๐ข๐ซ๐ข ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐
The Itsekiri people have long been recognized globally for their production of pure palm oil, derived from the rich and fertile soil of the Niger Delta. Additionally, their exceptional fishing skills have been a mainstay of their livelihood. However, these once-prominent sources of income have been decimated due to Shell’s extensive exploration of crude oil and gas in Itsekiri land. The Warri Kingdom, home to the resilient Itsekiri people, has repeatedly implored the federal government to intervene and address the environmental degradation caused by Shell Nigeria. Countless petitions have been submitted, highlighting the severe environmental hazards faced by the Itsekiri people. Regrettably, no substantial action has been taken to restore the creeks and make the Itsekiri homeland habitable once more.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
In light of the conglomerate’s attempt to evade its responsibilities and shift the burden onto other local companies, it is imperative that the Itsekiri stakeholders are actively engaged and included in all negotiations. Furthermore, the Itsekiri stakeholders in the Warri Kingdom must be granted the right of first refusal, considering they bear the brunt of the hazards left behind by Shell Nigeria, while the company focuses primarily on its offshore assets.
As a resilient and united people, the Itsekiri nation will vehemently resist any form of oppression and will not hesitate to shut down all Shell facilities within their areas if the necessary actions are not taken. It has been over 70 years since Shell commenced its exploration activities, and there is little to boast about in terms of development within the Warri Kingdom.
We, therefore, utilize this platform to issue a clear warning to Renaissance Africa Energy and other indigenous companies covertly attempting to acquire Shell’s onshore assets in Itsekiri land. We urge them to tread carefully and refrain from squandering their resources, as the Itsekiri people will vehemently resist their presence and take measures to shut down all facilities.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ’๐ฌ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ณ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ
The Itsekiri people have been the unfortunate victims of over seven decades of hazardous exploration activities conducted by Shell in our land. Any act of oppression by this multinational corporation will be met with fierce resistance, with the Itsekiri people prepared to defend their rights and interests at all costs. Additionally, we call upon both the Delta State government and the federal government to urgently intervene before irreversible damage is inflicted. The consequences of their neglect will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the oil and gas industry across the entire nation.
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
In conclusion, the Itsekiri nation stands united against the continued exploitation and neglect perpetrated by Shell Nigeria. We demand that Renaissance Africa Energy and other potential purchasers of Shell’s onshore assets in our land reconsider their plans and refrain from wasting their resources. The Itsekiri people will not rest until their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and justice is served. We implore the Delta State government and the federal government to prioritize the plight of the Itsekiri people and take immediate action to rectify the environmental degradation inflicted upon our land. Failure to do so will have far-reaching consequences not only for the Itsekiri people but for the entire oil and gas industry in our great nation.
Signed.
Lilywhite O. Esigbone
Chairman
Samuel Silver Maku
Secretary
Timipre Abowei